Meet the Simply Yoga Rockland Team
Our Story
History of the Elephant House:
Good things come to those who wait-or so they say. But what happens when those “good things” take the scenic route, making unexpected stops along the way? Welcome to the epic saga of what we lovingly call “The Elephant House.”
Why Elephants?
Our journey to open Simply Yoga Rockland mirrors an elephant’s gestation period: long, arduous, and filled with anticipation. Elephants take about two years to bring something big and beautiful into the world, and so did we. But our story began even before that, with a quaint house and a hidden history that unfolded in ways we never could have imagined.
Discovering the Cement Fortress
We bought this charming property two years ago, enamored by its spacious backyard and peaceful location. Our initial excitement quickly turned into a mix of shock and awe as we discovered the building’s secret: it was constructed almost entirely out of cement. The original owner, Dr. Corbeil, built the house as a safe haven for the community, a shelter in times of need. He was a local icon in Rockland, Ontario, and his vision of safety and comfort still resonates in the thick, protective walls of what is now our studio.
The Elephant House’s Journey: Challenges and Revelations
As we began renovations, it felt like the house resisted every effort. The cement walls and rebar seemed to laugh at our budget and our timeline. The stairs-what seemed like a simple relocation-turned into a Herculean task. Removing them was like unraveling a concrete puzzle, each step more challenging than the last. And the floors? They were six inches of solid concrete that devoured our plumbing budget.
To add to our trials, a storm two years ago forced us to divert our resources to another urgent eco project, putting the studio renovations on hold. When we returned to the Elephant House a year later, we found that the cost of materials and labor had skyrocketed, stretching our budget thin and our patience even thinner.
A Shift in Perspective
For a long time, it felt like this house was resisting us. I was frustrated and angry, feeling as though we were fighting against an immovable force. But then, a touching story shared by a friend during a backyard gardening day changed everything. Her father, who had been the groundskeeper for Dr. Corbeil, explained why the house was built the way it was. Dr. Corbeil intended his home to be a sanctuary, a place of safety for the community during natural disasters.
This story shifted my perspective. The house wasn’t resisting us; it was standing firm in its original purpose-to protect and serve. We were not merely renovating a building; we were becoming part of its legacy of safety and care. Realizing this, I made peace with the house. I understood that our intention for the new studio-to create a safe haven for our community-aligned perfectly with Dr. Corbeil’s vision.
A Work in Progress
Now, as we approach the opening of Simply Yoga Rockland, I must admit the journey has been longer and more challenging than anticipated. We’re opening the doors soon, but not everything will be perfect. Sacrifices had to be made; parts of our vision have been adjusted. Yet, this gives all of us the unique opportunity to witness the transformation of this space together. We will watch the “baby elephant” mature together, shaping this sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit.
Join Us in the Next Chapter
We are excited to welcome you to this space in September 2024. Together, we will continue the legacy of safety and comfort that Dr. Corbeil started. This studio will be more than just a place for yoga; it will be a sanctuary for all who seek peace, wellness, and community. Thank you all for your patience, support, and shared vision. The journey has only just begun, and we are thrilled to share it with you.
If anyone in the community has stories or information about the Elephant House from previous years, we would love to hear from you. Let’s honor the past as we build a future together.
Welcome to the Elephant House. Let’s fill it with breath, movement, and laughter as we continue this journey, one step at a time.
History of the Elephant House:
Good things come to those who wait-or so they say. But what happens when those "good things" take the scenic route, making unexpected stops along the way? Welcome to the epic saga of what we lovingly call "The Elephant House."
Why Elephants?
Our journey to open Simply Yoga Rockland mirrors an elephant’s gestation period: long, arduous, and filled with anticipation. Elephants take about two years to bring something big and beautiful into the world, and so did we. But our story began even before that, with a quaint house and a hidden history that unfolded in ways we never could have imagined.
Discovering the Cement Fortress
We bought this charming property two years ago, enamored by its spacious backyard and peaceful location. Our initial excitement quickly turned into a mix of shock and awe as we discovered the building’s secret: it was constructed almost entirely out of cement. The original owner, Dr. Corbeil, built the house as a safe haven for the community, a shelter in times of need. He was a local icon in Rockland, Ontario, and his vision of safety and comfort still resonates in the thick, protective walls of what is now our studio.
The Elephant House’s Journey: Challenges and Revelations
As we began renovations, it felt like the house resisted every effort. The cement walls and rebar seemed to laugh at our budget and our timeline. The stairs-what seemed like a simple relocation-turned into a Herculean task. Removing them was like unraveling a concrete puzzle, each step more challenging than the last. And the floors? They were six inches of solid concrete that devoured our plumbing budget.
To add to our trials, a storm two years ago forced us to divert our resources to another urgent eco project, putting the studio renovations on hold. When we returned to the Elephant House a year later, we found that the cost of materials and labor had skyrocketed, stretching our budget thin and our patience even thinner.
A Shift in Perspective
For a long time, it felt like this house was resisting us. I was frustrated and angry, feeling as though we were fighting against an immovable force. But then, a touching story shared by a friend during a backyard gardening day changed everything. Her father, who had been the groundskeeper for Dr. Corbeil, explained why the house was built the way it was. Dr. Corbeil intended his home to be a sanctuary, a place of safety for the community during natural disasters.
This story shifted my perspective. The house wasn’t resisting us; it was standing firm in its original purpose-to protect and serve. We were not merely renovating a building; we were becoming part of its legacy of safety and care. Realizing this, I made peace with the house. I understood that our intention for the new studio-to create a safe haven for our community-aligned perfectly with Dr. Corbeil’s vision.
A Work in Progress
Now, as we approach the opening of Simply Yoga Rockland, I must admit the journey has been longer and more challenging than anticipated. We’re opening the doors soon, but not everything will be perfect. Sacrifices had to be made; parts of our vision have been adjusted. Yet, this gives all of us the unique opportunity to witness the transformation of this space together. We will watch the “baby elephant” mature together, shaping this sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit.
Join Us in the Next Chapter
We are excited to welcome you to this space in September 2024. Together, we will continue the legacy of safety and comfort that Dr. Corbeil started. This studio will be more than just a place for yoga; it will be a sanctuary for all who seek peace, wellness, and community. Thank you all for your patience, support, and shared vision. The journey has only just begun, and we are thrilled to share it with you.
If anyone in the community has stories or information about the Elephant House from previous years, we would love to hear from you. Let’s honor the past as we build a future together.
Welcome to the Elephant House. Let’s fill it with breath, movement, and laughter as we continue this journey, one step at a time.
